In an effort to address military spouses’ employment challenges, the Defense Department recently launched the Military Spouse Employment Partnership to expand career opportunities for military spouses worldwide. Flanked by military spouses and corporate leaders, top government and military officials unveiled the partnership during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
The partnership encompasses more than 70 employers. Leaders from each company stepped forward to sign a pledge to:
• Increase employment opportunities for military spouses while maintaining employment for relocating spouses;
• Provide career promotion opportunities for military spouses who are excelling at their jobs;
• Ensure pay equity for military spouses commensurate with their level of training, work experience, accomplishments and credentials; and
• Spread the word about spousal support throughout the military and corporate America.
Partners also are pledging to post job opportunities on the Military Spouse Employment Partnership web portal located online at www.ourmilitary.mil.
The partnership program evolved from the Army Spouse Employment Program, through which more than 100,000 military spouses have been hired since 2003, said Robert L. Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy.
Military spouses also voiced their approval.
“It will make our lives as military spouses so much easier, because right before you move, there’s that ramp up of getting that resume ready … ,” said Kristi Hamrick, an Air Force spouse who has moved 11 times in 17 years. “If you can get a job where you have another job waiting on the other end … that would reduce so much stress.”